Ephesians 4 23

Ephesians 4:23 kjv

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Ephesians 4:23 nkjv

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

Ephesians 4:23 niv

to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

Ephesians 4:23 esv

and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

Ephesians 4:23 nlt

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 23 Meaning

This verse commands believers to experience an ongoing, qualitative transformation at the deepest level of their inner being. It is a call to a continuous renovation of their core way of thinking, their fundamental disposition, and the animating principle of their rational faculties. This renewal moves away from the futility and darkened understanding of the old self towards conformity to the image of Christ.

Ephesians 4 23 Context

Ephesians 4:23 is a crucial command within Paul's ethical exhortations to believers in Ephesus. Following the doctrinal truths of Christian unity and maturity in the first part of the chapter, Paul transitions to practical living. He urges believers (from 4:17 onward) to live no longer like the Gentiles, who are characterized by the "futility of their minds" and "darkened understanding" (v. 17-18). Verse 22 calls for the believers to "put off" their old self and its deceitful desires, a stark break from their former pagan life. Verse 23 then explains how this is to occur: by a continuous renewal of their innermost mind. This internal transformation enables them to then "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God" (v. 24) and manifest true righteousness and holiness. Thus, the verse bridges the "putting off" of the old with the "putting on" of the new, identifying the mind as the locus of this essential spiritual renovation.

Ephesians 4 23 Word analysis

• and be renewed (καὶ ἀνανεοῦσθαι - kai ananeousthai):

  • ἀνανεοῦσθαι (ananeousthai) is a present infinitive, middle/passive voice. The present tense signifies a continuous, ongoing process, not a one-time event. It is a call for a continuous state of being renewed. The passive voice implies that this renewal is God's work, but the imperative (implied in the preceding commands of v.22-24) also calls for human cooperation and submission to this work.
  • The prefix ἀνα- (ana-) means "again" or "up," emphasizing a "making new again" or "renewing to a higher state." This word refers to a renewal of quality rather than simple refreshing. It is a deep internal qualitative change, contrasted with outward appearances or actions.

• in the spirit (τῷ πνεύματι - tō pneumati):

  • πνεύματι (pneumati) is in the dative case. It can mean "by the spirit" or "in the spirit." In this context, it generally refers to the animating principle or disposition of the human mind, the core of one's inner being, not necessarily the Holy Spirit (though the Holy Spirit empowers this human disposition). It signifies the seat of conscious life, emotions, thoughts, and will. It points to the deepest core of the personality where moral and intellectual character are formed.

• of your minds (τοῦ νοός - tou noos):

  • νοός (noos) refers to the faculty of perception, understanding, reasoning, and moral reflection. It is the intellectual and spiritual understanding, the seat of the mind, its moral consciousness, and the center of personal determination. It's not merely the intellect but includes one's attitude, moral disposition, and worldview. This is the realm where transformation occurs from spiritual darkness to light.

Words-group analysis:

• "be renewed in the spirit of your minds": This phrase encapsulates the profound inner transformation demanded of believers. It highlights that true Christian living stems from an inner spiritual and mental renovation, not merely external behavioral adjustments. The "spirit of your minds" refers to the core disposition or inner principle that drives one's thought life and understanding. It means renewing the very essence or character of how one thinks, perceives, and judges. This is where spiritual warfare and Christlike character development are won or lost. It emphasizes the need for a shift in foundational worldview and internal motives, powered by divine grace, leading to holy living.

Ephesians 4 23 Bonus section

The continuous nature of this "renewal" underscores that sanctification is a lifelong process. It is a battle against entrenched habits of thought, inherited worldviews, and societal influences that are contrary to Christ's teachings. This inward renewal manifests outwardly as the "putting on" of the new self, characterized by "righteousness and holiness that come from truth" (Eph 4:24). Thus, internal renovation of the mind directly fuels external righteous conduct. The transformation begins with conversion (a change of spiritual status), but the daily renewing of the mind is the means by which the believer progressively becomes more like Christ (a change in character and conduct). It requires vigilance and intentionality in how one processes information, cultivates thoughts, and responds to situations.

Ephesians 4 23 Commentary

Ephesians 4:23 identifies the crucial sphere of Christian transformation: the mind. This command to "be renewed in the spirit of your minds" goes beyond superficial behavior modification; it calls for a continuous, deep, qualitative change at the core of one's intellect, attitudes, and fundamental disposition. The phrase "spirit of your minds" refers to the animating essence or prevailing character of one's rational faculties and moral perception. It is the place where desires are shaped, truth is processed, and convictions are formed. This internal renovation stands in stark contrast to the futility of mind that characterized their former unregenerate lives (v. 17). It implies a spiritual re-education, a realignment of thoughts and values with God's truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This ongoing renewal is essential because genuine outward Christ-like living springs from a purified and reoriented inner life. Practical application involves intentionally submitting one's thoughts and beliefs to the truth of Scripture, cultivating prayerful discernment, and actively rejecting patterns of thinking contrary to God's will.